A nine-year-old boy has been rescued by French police after his stepfather allegedly locked him in a small cupboard for 15 days. The child was discovered on Friday, living on the bare floor of a closet barely more than a metre wide at the family home in Mérindol, Vaucluse. According to local reports, he had been forced to use a basin as a toilet.
Anonymous Tip-Off Leads to Rescue
The boy was rescued after an anonymous person raised concerns about his welfare and alerted the authorities. Neighbours told reporters that the child was 'always being punished' and was often absent from family outings with his mother, stepfather and three brothers. When police arrived at the property in Mérindol, a village of around 2,000 people, the stepfather allowed officers inside and confirmed the child was in the home.
Stepfather Arrested and Charged
Avignon public prosecutor Stéphanie Aouine told Le Parisien that the child had been living in the space for 15 days, since May 1. Although the boy was attending school, he was reportedly not allowed to go outside or shower. Ms Aouine said: 'His routine and living conditions (meals, outings, school) are still being assessed.' The stepfather was arrested, charged and placed in pre-trial detention.
A judicial inquiry was opened by the Avignon public prosecutor's office on May 24 for 'deprivation of care or food endangering the health of a minor under 15 by an ascendant or person in authority' and 'violence resulting in incapacity not exceeding eight days against a minor by an ascendant or person in authority over the victim in the presence of another minor.' The fate of the boy's mother remains unclear, as prosecutors have not released any information about her.
Investigation and Child's Condition
The investigation has been handed to gendarmes from the Pertuis company. According to the prosecutor, the child has been 'placed in the care of a trustworthy third party', while a more thorough assessment of his physical and psychological condition is carried out. An urgent social assessment is also underway to determine what protective measures are needed for the boy and his siblings. Local reports said the child, who was described as weak and severely emaciated, was taken to hospital.
